A Photojournalist’s Field Guide: In the trenches with combat photographer Stacy Pearsall

Taking on the “Real” World

Even as a battle-hardened and tested photojournalist, nothing could have prepared me for the shock of the “real” world. From the time I exited the military, I learned to absorb all I could from wise folks like Jimmy and my fellow photographers, whose guidance helped me gain my footing as a freelance photojournalist. Along with what I’ve learned in my experience as a combat photographer, and as a freelance photojournalist, I’d like to share a few things that will come in handy as you develop your own career.

Hustle

That’s one descriptive word used by many photographers to describe the life of a photojournalist. There was a time in my life when I didn’t concern myself with money issues or health benefits; I was taken ...